FAQs About Air Ambulances

Before choosing an air ambulance service provider, it’s important to know the answers to some key questions:

Is the air ambulance company accredited?

The accrediting organization for the fixed-wing air ambulance industry is The Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems, or CAMTS.

AMR Air Ambulance is CAMTS Accredited. All direct air carriers who operate the flights we arrange hold the appropriate air carrier certificates issued by the Federal Aviation Administration.

What types of aircraft are available?

AMR Air Ambulance arranges transportation on a variety of fixed-wing aircraft, based on the patient’s specific needs.

What type of medical staff will be on board the aircraft with the patient?

At a minimum, a critical care nurse and a respiratory therapist or paramedic should be on board an air ambulance transport flight. Also, ask if the medical staff works for the company full-time or if they are per-diem or part-time. You want to find a company with crews who provide air medical care on a full-time basis. Flights arranged by AMR Air Ambulance are staffed by an experienced registered flight nurse, respiratory therapist, licensed paramedic and/or other medical professionals, depending on the specific needs of the patient. Flight physicians are available when requested.

Does the air ambulance service carry liability and medical malpractice insurance?

You want to be sure the air ambulance company you hire carries liability and medical malpractice insurance, and you also want to know about their coverage amounts. You should make sure the company carries adequate medical liability and aircraft insurance. Also, ask for a copy of the air ambulance company’s certificate of insurance (COI). Both AMR Air Ambulance and the direct air carriers we contract with, carry industry standard insurance policies.

Are ground ambulance arrangements and payments included in the quote?

Some organizations will make the ground ambulance arrangements but provide a price quote for the air ambulance transport only. Make certain that you understand what services are included in your quote. A quote from AMR Air Ambulance includes ground transportation and air ambulance transportation.

What is the price of the air ambulance transport?

When comparing quotes from different air ambulance companies, consider the type of aircraft that will be used as well as the level of medical staff and ground transportation that are included in the quote to help determine the best option to meet the patient’s medical needs.

What is a medical charter?

A medical charter is a flight using a private aircraft operated under Part 135 that is sometimes used for patient transportation. Unlike an air ambulance, a medical charter aircraft may not have a stretcher and all necessary medical equipment on board in the event of an emergency. AMR Air Ambulance uses dedicated ICU/CCU full-time equipped aircraft.

Where does AMR Air Ambulance arrange flights?

AMR Air Ambulance contracts with direct air carriers to provide domestic and international air ambulance service. These air carriers fly throughout the continental United States, as well as Canada, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Europe and the Pacific Rim. We can also arrange for services to other international destinations. For international flights, our dispatch department works with the direct air carrier operating the flight to arrange all customs, immigration and international handling documentation to meet Federal Aviation Administration and other regulations.

What types of payment does AMR Air Ambulance accept?

AMR Air Ambulance accepts payment by certified check, credit card, bank wire transfer, cash and pre-approved insurance. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and Diners Club. We can bill an insurance company directly if prior written authorization is provided from the insurance company. If not, payment, including any co-pay and/or deductible is due prior to the transport.

In some cases, one or two family members or companions may accompany the patient at no additional cost on private air ambulance trips operated under Part 135, unless the patient’s condition requires additional medical staff or equipment for the transport.

How much luggage can a patient take?

Luggage space on air ambulance aircraft is very limited due to the medical equipment carried on board. Luggage is limited to two carry-on, soft-sided bags (total).All other luggage must be shipped prior to transport. AMR Air Ambulance can help passengers arrange the shipment of excess baggage. All costs associated with excess baggage shipment are the responsibility of the patient or client.

What documents are required to travel on an international air ambulance flight?

Everyone traveling on international flights must provide the AMR Air Ambulance Dispatch Department with the following information prior to departure: